Beirut Restaurant takes over Al-Baraki’s Troy space

The former Al-Baraki Restaurant in Troy has become another Lebanese eatery, this one called Beirut Restaurant. The new owner, George Haj Nasr, says he will continue to feature menu favorites such as shish kebab, baba ghanoush and falafel, and will add specials including spinach, meat and goat-cheese pies, all made by Haj Nasr’s mother, plus vegetarian options, daily specials and more desserts. A lunch buffet is $8; dinner prices run from $4 to $13.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Beirut is located at 184 River St., Troy. Call 270-9404.

Haj Nasr bought the restaurant from Paul Chedrawee, who still owns the Albany Al-Baraki, at 185 Lark St.

I went to Beirut this past weekend. The falafel dinner and chicken shawarma wrap were great. Even better, the owner treated us to meze (an appetizer sampler) with good hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, etc. He was very accommodating, offering to go heavy or light on my side dishes per my personal tastes. We left quite full and the bill was shockingly small for a dinner out ($16).

The owner is the nephew (I believe) of the owner of the equally good Phoenician’s on Central Ave. Beirut is a little rough around the edges but the owner seems to be in the process of remodeling.

I tried Al-Baraki (Lark St.) for the first time a few weeks ago, it was just ok. I still think Rita’s Cafe has far and away, the best Lebanese food in Albany. I’ll be looking to try the new Troy location. I’m a “Leb” & I know good Lebanese food.

I might run over to the Beirut for lunch now, I will follow up later with my own comments.

I did as I said I was going to do, and I went over to the Beirut Restaurant for lunch today. As #3 stated also, George and his Mom, Hala, put together a wonderful meze dish for me to sample. The food was very good! They are putting out what I would deem authentic Lebanese cuisine. I was impressed by the falafel balls, if you like this sandwich, you’ll love their version.

The restaurant decor could use a tad sprucing up. What’s great about this restuarant, is what you’ll find in any successful Lebanese restuarant, people that greet you like family and are there to please you with their most tasty home cooked dishes. George is a bright, young guy, who I believe understands what’s necessary to take care of his customers. I will definitely be returning, though I still have high marks for what Rita’s doing at her restaurant (Rita’s Cafe). They both do Lebanese cooking proud. Dame!

I work up the street and visit Beirut about once every 2 weeks the same as I did Al-Baraki before it. I love both places and both owners. As with #3 and #7 above, George and his mom and dad (and brother and sister when they are there) make me feel more than like a guy who came in for a wrap to eat at his desk for lunch.
George fixed the place up considerably back in February and now offers an $8 buffet at lunch time. I haven’t tried it yet, but it sure looks and smells good.

My wife and I just had the pleasure of visiting the Beruit restaurant in Troy. We were treated to a great meal at extremely reasonable prices and the affable company of George (the owner and chef) and his father Elias (who took care of our service.) Elias and George treated us as they would have treated cherished guests that entered into their home. We were told twice how they wished to make us feel at home. They are both extremely personable and interesting people with a genuine care for their guests. We ordered Hummus, Chicken Shawarma, Beef Shuwarma and a meat pie. The food was delicious and plentiful. This restaurant is a bright and sparkling jewel in midst of Troy. We are looking to return soon and bring friends along with us.